Arda Turan looks like a different man with a grey beard replacing the dark facial hair he sported as a player.
The 36-year-old called time on his trophy-laden career at the end of last season, following a last hurrah with Galatasaray in his native Turkey.
3
In a glittering career that also took in Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, Turan, who played 100 times for Turkey, was also linked with a move to Arsenal.
That was in 2017, but opted to remain at Barcelona.
He scored 15 goals in 55 matches for Barca, winning La Liga and two Copa del Reys.
Prior to his move to Catalonia, he enjoyed huge success at Atletico Madrid, winning another league title, the Europa League and reaching a Champions League final.
And in those 100 international caps, he helped his country to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2008.
He now manages Eyupspor in Turkey’s second division, with a photo since emerging of him looking totally different from his playing days.
Turan can be seen donning a grey beard during a training session with his side.
Now a new Turkey star called Arda is now emerging in Spain following Real Madrid’s signing of 18-year Arda Guler.
3
3
Turan joked: “I would have been much happier if Arda Guler had gone to Barcelona, but I don’t find it strange his choice to join Real Madrid.
“The Barcelona I played for was the best in history, but the current Barcelona is a rebuilding Barcelona.
“Real Madrid is also getting younger but they are a more mature team. I wish him well.
“Arda Guler is a very valuable player for our country’s football. I believe he will be one of the best football players in the world.”
In Guler, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr among others, Real have some of the most exciting young players in the world.
